One of the most important NFL matchups of the weekend takes place in the NFC North, as the Vikings travel to play the Lions.
Minnesota is still competing to finish first in the NFC, while the Lions have an opportunity to reach the playoffs this season.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings Season Forecast
2022 has been an extremely successful season so far for the Minnesota Vikings. After their first 12 games, the Minnesota Vikings record is 10-2. The Vikings are currently one of the best teams in the NFC.
As a result of their 10-2 record, the Vikings are in first place in the NFC North in NFL team standings.
Vikings’ Position at the NFC North
Minnesota is currently second in the NFC but could finish in first place in the conference with a successful end of the season.
Minnesota has won two games in a row ahead of the NFL matchups this week. The Vikings last lost on November 20, when the Dallas Cowboys won 40-3 against Minnesota, but before then, the team’s most recent loss had been on September 19.
Viking’s Offense
The Vikings have scored 30 points in two of their last four games, and Minnesota’s offense is currently the 11th-best in the NFL in the points-per-game category of NFL team stats.
The Vikings will hope the offense helps them win an important game on Sunday afternoon.
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Vikings’ moneyline began this week at -135.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
Minnesota’s moneyline is now -101. The Vikings’ record has been excellent this season, but their 40-3 loss a few weeks ago has possibly resulted in the Lions being expected to win this weekend.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Minnesota has one of the best records in the NFC, and they still have an excellent chance to win this weekend.
Spread Line
Opening Line
Minnesota began this week as a 2.5-point favorite.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
Similarly to the moneyline, the Vikings’ spread is now +1. The Lions have played well so far this season despite their 5-7 record, and Minnesota is expected to have to play well to win a close game on Sunday.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Minnesota now won’t begin this weekend’s game as a favorite, but the Vikings are still 10-2 so far this season.
Total
Opening Line
The Vikings vs Lions totals began this week at 52.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The Vikings vs Lions totals have since changed to 53.5, possibly due to how well the Vikings’ offense has played recently.
What Makes Lose the Bet
While Minnesota’s offense has played well recently, it could be difficult for both teams to score enough points to combine for 54 total points on Sunday.
Vikings Betting Trend to Know
Minnesota is 6-5-1 against the spread so far this season. The over is 2-0 in the Vikings’ last two games.
Detroit Lions Season Forecast
Similarly to the Vikings, the Lions have played 12 games of their NFL schedule so far. After those 12 games, the Lions’ record is 5-7, and the Detroit Lions standings are currently second in the NFC North.
The Lions won’t win the NFC North this season, but they still have an opportunity to make the playoffs this season. This weekend’s game will have a significant impact on whether or not Detroit can reach the playoffs.
Lions’ Most Recent Loss
Last weekend, the Lions won 40-14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Detroit’s most recent loss was on November 24 against the Buffalo Bills, but the Lions have won four of their five most recent games.
Quarterback Jared Goff has played well this season and is currently in the Top-10 of both the passing touchdowns and passing yards category of NFL player stats.
If he plays well this weekend, the Lions could get an important victory with only a few weeks of the season remaining.
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Lions’ moneyline began this week at +115.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
Detroit’s moneyline is now -119. This is likely due to how well the team has played during the past few weeks of the season.
What Makes Lose the Bet
While the Detroit Lions have won four of their last five games, the team did lose to the Vikings 28-24 earlier this season.
Spread Line
Opening Line
Detroit’s spread began this week at +2.5.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The Lions are now a one-point favorite ahead of this weekend’s game. This is likely due to the team’s performances recently, which have included two wins against NFC North opponents.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Detroit lost by four against the Vikings earlier this season, and their most recent game against a team that would currently make the playoffs, the Buffalo Bills, was a three-point loss.
Total
Opening Line
The Vikings vs Lions totals began this week at 52.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
Detroit’s offense has played well during the team’s recent wins, and that could explain why the over/under for this weekend’s game is now 53.5.
What Makes Lose the Bet
It could be difficult for these teams to combine for 54 points, but at least 53 combined points have been scored in three of the Lions’ last four games.
Lions Betting Trend to Know
The Lions are 8-4 against the spread so far this season.
Most Profitable Players of this Matchup to Bet On
- QB Jared Goff
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
- QB Kirk Cousins
No player odds were available before this article was completed.
The Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions is one of the most important games of this weekend’s NFL matchups.
NFL point spreads and other odds could still change due to updates to each team’s NFL injury report this week, but the Lions will likely begin the game favored to win on Sunday.
NFL Pick: Lions -2.5 (-110)
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